Living with Bunion Pain

Are my shoes causing my bunion?
Poor fitting shoes may contribute to the deformity as it can push the toe into an unnatural position. Over time, the soft tissue in your foot may become accustomed to the new positioning and cause a worsening deformity.

When do I need to have surgery – how long should I delay?
Bunion deformities are progressive conditions which may not improve without intervention.  Addressing these deformities early before arthritic changes begin to take place in the toe may allow for interventions which do not require fusions or other more invasive procedures.

How long until I can get back to normal activities?
This is dependent on your surgeon’s recommendation.

Is the Phantom® MIS procedure covered by insurance?

Coverage is dependent upon the provider. The Phantom® MIS procedure is a bunion correction procedure, which is a common occurrence for insurers.

Can I have both feet operated on?
Yes! It will be up to your surgeon as to the timing between procedures.

If I had a previous operation that failed, can my toe still be corrected?
Surgeons are using the Phantom® MIS procedure to address previously failed operations as well as primary surgical intervention.

What pre-existing health conditions would keep me from having the Phantom® MIS procedure?

The Paragon 28® Phantom® Intramedullary Nail System implants are not designed or sold for any use except as indicated. Use of the Phantom® Intramedullary Nail System is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Active, suspected or latent infection in the affected area

• Patients who are physiologically or psychologically inadequate

• Patients previously sensitized to titanium

• Longitudinal splits or longitudinal fractures

• Insufficient quantity or quality of bone to permit stabilization, conditions that retard healing (not including pathological fractures) and conditions causing poor blood supply

• Open epiphyseal plates

• In patients where there is a possibility for conservative treatment

• Indications not included in the INDICATIONS FOR USE

Can the Phantom® MIS procedure be performed as an outpatient procedure and how long should I expect surgery to last?

The procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic block and sedation.  The procedure may take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours and may be completed in an outpatient setting so you can return home the same day.  

Do all doctors perform the Phantom® MIS procedure?

Surgeons are being trained every week on this novel procedure.  To find a surgeon near you, please utilize our surgeon finder tool.

Are there physical limitations I should be aware of following the surgery?
Depending on your surgeon’s post-operative care plan, you may be placed in a cast for the first few days to properly heal, which will limit any weight-bearing. Your surgeon will then move you into a partial weight-bearing boot for the duration of your healing process, which could lead up to 4-6 weeks post-surgery before you can start to place weight on your foot in comfortable shoes.

How frequently will I need to return to my doctor following the surgery?
Sutures are typically removed two weeks following the surgery and if the surgeon pins the toe, the pin can be removed at two to four weeks following the surgery.  

Will I have any scarring following the procedure?
With the Phantom® MIS procedure, you will notice significantly less scarring as compared to traditional approaches. These scars can be easily treated to lessen any long-term cosmetic outcomes with the Phantom® MIS procedure.

When can I return to all normal activities following surgery?
All restrictions related to shoes are at the discretion of your surgeon. Patients may return to normal footwear in as few as 4-6 weeks.